My wife and I were talking the other day and she brought up a great point. How would anyone know anything about me, who to contact, or my pertinent medical history if something happened to me while I was traveling. To be honest, this was something I had never thought about.
Most locums companies have a health history form and emergency contact information form that you fill out when you contract with them. But, as my wife pointed out, who is going to know I am working for a locums company? What if the information is needed at night, on the weekend, or on a holiday? There is no way to get the information. In a true emergency, we all know that we need patient information now, not on Monday when the office opens.
Thus began my search for a way to carry my information with me. The issue is how to have the information available without carrying around a piece of paper with your life history and personal information on it for anyone to find. So the search began. A Google search produced several options, however the all would make my information available to anyone.
The method I decided on is called a "Road ID". It provides an easily identifiable means to obtain my information. I chose the bracelet version. It has my name, year of birth, city and state of residence, and a phone number/web address to access my information. The back of the bracelet has a serial number and a PIN required to obtain my selected contacts, health information, allergies, medications, and anything else that I deem necessary for someone to know in an emergency.
No I am not endorsing a product, I am endorsing the idea that if you travel, you need to have a means to speak for you if you can't. Or as I tell my wife to watch her twitch, "a way for them to know where to ship the body".
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The Women In My Life
There are several women in my life that make it possible for me to do what I love.
First and foremost is my wife, without whom this would be impossible. She is not only my wife, but my best friend, soul mate, my biggest fan, and very often my "reality check". She is a wife, mother, part time NP, keeps the laundry done, makes sure there is food in the house, attempts 7th grade homework, makes sure our son is where he is suppose to be (occasionally on time), walks the dogs, and deals with whatever comes up unexpectedly while I am gone.
She does all these things without griping, bitching, complaining, or whining. In her spare time she trains twice a day (she is training for her next half marathon on December 1st with a goal of completing a Half Ironman next August), becoming "healthy", not eating meat (there is a limit to how "healthy" I will ever be and no meat ain't one of them), and turning into an amazing "middle age" (her words not mine) athelete.
Next inline, yet no less important is my mother-in-law. While some of you are cringing, I am blessed with the bestest mother-in-law I could ever hope for. She is always a phone call away to help out with whatever needs to be done. She offers encouragement and does occasionally look at me with a straight face and asks me "what the hell were you thinking?" (no she doesn't really say "hell", but that is her implication). She is my wife's best friend and confidante as well as an exceptional grandmother (don't EVER call her "granny", she will get her flying monkeys after you).
The last woman in my life is my trainer, Misty. I have never been skinny and probably never will be unless I contract some terminal disease. I have been "short for my weight" all my life. A few months ago, I became very tired and didn't have the energy to get out of bed. I went in to see my PCP (no I did not try to heal myself) who slapped me in the face with the cold reality that I am no longer bullet or laser proof (if I ever was). Now understand that 14 months ago (while living in North Dakota) all my labs were fine. Dr H informed me that my triglycerides were over 500, my Vitamin D level was 6 (folks I live in the south where there is plenty of sunshine), and testosterone was something I read about in school.
So, I decided that I would make a few changes and would NOT take this news without a fight. I chainged my diet, track my food, supplement my vitamin D, started on Trilipix, supplement my testosterone, and hired a personal trainer. In the past 9 weeks I have lost a little over 30 lbs, decreased my BMI by 10, and overall inproved my cardio and strength.
Now Misty is not a Barbie look alike, nor does she wear skimpy outfits like the trainers do on TV. What Misty brings to my life is accountability and her knowledge of exercise physiology. I am smart enought to know that I am accountable only to myself for my choices and healty (or lack there of). Although I pay for Misty's services, she puts alot of time and effort into my training. She goes above and beyond what some other trainers will do. As an example, she is putting together an exercise program for me that I can continue as I travel. I rationalze that if I don't train and exercise I will be showing disrespect to her for all her tireless efforts.
With my next asignment starting next month being 8 weeks in Alaska, it is important that I can exercise without a fully equipt fitness center. She is the only woman that I allow to kick my ass on a regular basis. Oh, did I mention that she is a 5th degree Black Belt in tae kwon do?
As I begin to prepare for my trip to Alaska, today I am thankful for the women in my life. Those that accept me for who and what I am and continually push and encourage me to be better. And in Misty's case,continue to kick my ass and help me be accountable.
First and foremost is my wife, without whom this would be impossible. She is not only my wife, but my best friend, soul mate, my biggest fan, and very often my "reality check". She is a wife, mother, part time NP, keeps the laundry done, makes sure there is food in the house, attempts 7th grade homework, makes sure our son is where he is suppose to be (occasionally on time), walks the dogs, and deals with whatever comes up unexpectedly while I am gone.
She does all these things without griping, bitching, complaining, or whining. In her spare time she trains twice a day (she is training for her next half marathon on December 1st with a goal of completing a Half Ironman next August), becoming "healthy", not eating meat (there is a limit to how "healthy" I will ever be and no meat ain't one of them), and turning into an amazing "middle age" (her words not mine) athelete.
Next inline, yet no less important is my mother-in-law. While some of you are cringing, I am blessed with the bestest mother-in-law I could ever hope for. She is always a phone call away to help out with whatever needs to be done. She offers encouragement and does occasionally look at me with a straight face and asks me "what the hell were you thinking?" (no she doesn't really say "hell", but that is her implication). She is my wife's best friend and confidante as well as an exceptional grandmother (don't EVER call her "granny", she will get her flying monkeys after you).
The last woman in my life is my trainer, Misty. I have never been skinny and probably never will be unless I contract some terminal disease. I have been "short for my weight" all my life. A few months ago, I became very tired and didn't have the energy to get out of bed. I went in to see my PCP (no I did not try to heal myself) who slapped me in the face with the cold reality that I am no longer bullet or laser proof (if I ever was). Now understand that 14 months ago (while living in North Dakota) all my labs were fine. Dr H informed me that my triglycerides were over 500, my Vitamin D level was 6 (folks I live in the south where there is plenty of sunshine), and testosterone was something I read about in school.
So, I decided that I would make a few changes and would NOT take this news without a fight. I chainged my diet, track my food, supplement my vitamin D, started on Trilipix, supplement my testosterone, and hired a personal trainer. In the past 9 weeks I have lost a little over 30 lbs, decreased my BMI by 10, and overall inproved my cardio and strength.
Now Misty is not a Barbie look alike, nor does she wear skimpy outfits like the trainers do on TV. What Misty brings to my life is accountability and her knowledge of exercise physiology. I am smart enought to know that I am accountable only to myself for my choices and healty (or lack there of). Although I pay for Misty's services, she puts alot of time and effort into my training. She goes above and beyond what some other trainers will do. As an example, she is putting together an exercise program for me that I can continue as I travel. I rationalze that if I don't train and exercise I will be showing disrespect to her for all her tireless efforts.
With my next asignment starting next month being 8 weeks in Alaska, it is important that I can exercise without a fully equipt fitness center. She is the only woman that I allow to kick my ass on a regular basis. Oh, did I mention that she is a 5th degree Black Belt in tae kwon do?
As I begin to prepare for my trip to Alaska, today I am thankful for the women in my life. Those that accept me for who and what I am and continually push and encourage me to be better. And in Misty's case,continue to kick my ass and help me be accountable.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Why do I do it?
I often get asked why I work locums. I could come up with a plethora of reasons that sound good, but my self reflection tells me that I get board easily. I enjoy challenges. I enjoy going somewhere I have never been, meeting new people, and being able to handle whatever comes through the door. I had a full time job as a provider in a large metropolitan ER. I went to the same place twelve days a month and did the same thing each of those twelve days. I enjoyed the staff that I worked with, but after a while it lost it's challenge.
This type of work is definitely not for everyone. Let me give you a glimpse of a typical trip. Last Friday I got up at 4:45 am and left for the airport at 6:00 (about a 30 minute trip). I parked the truck in long term parking and then rode the shuttle to the terminal. Check in, clear security after having my hands swabbed for explosives and my computer bag sniffed by the TSA dog (thankfully he didn't mark it), and get to the appropriate gate by about 7:15. Board the first plane of the day and depart Memphis at 8:20. Now between this time and 10:50 I flew to Minneapolis/St Paul and deplaned at gate G 24, did a forced march from one end of the airport to gate A 10 ( which is a heck of a long way if you've ever been to this airport) to get on my next flight that was scheduled to depart at 11:25 pm and was boarding as I got to the gate. This next flight was to Minot, ND and at 12:50 I was getting into a hospital van for the one hour trip to my assignment. My shift started at 5:00 pm. I remained on call from then until 9:00 am Monday morning (you don't have to do the math, that is 64 hours). The short version of the flights home is just the reverse of my trip Friday, except I did not leave Minot until 12:30 pm. At 6:30 pm Monday evening I was sitting in Firebirds in Collierville (home) with my family eating prime rib.
And the best part is I don't work again for 9 days. That means this week when my son is out of school for Thanksgiving, I get to spend the week with him and my wife.
And THAT makes it all worth it.
This type of work is definitely not for everyone. Let me give you a glimpse of a typical trip. Last Friday I got up at 4:45 am and left for the airport at 6:00 (about a 30 minute trip). I parked the truck in long term parking and then rode the shuttle to the terminal. Check in, clear security after having my hands swabbed for explosives and my computer bag sniffed by the TSA dog (thankfully he didn't mark it), and get to the appropriate gate by about 7:15. Board the first plane of the day and depart Memphis at 8:20. Now between this time and 10:50 I flew to Minneapolis/St Paul and deplaned at gate G 24, did a forced march from one end of the airport to gate A 10 ( which is a heck of a long way if you've ever been to this airport) to get on my next flight that was scheduled to depart at 11:25 pm and was boarding as I got to the gate. This next flight was to Minot, ND and at 12:50 I was getting into a hospital van for the one hour trip to my assignment. My shift started at 5:00 pm. I remained on call from then until 9:00 am Monday morning (you don't have to do the math, that is 64 hours). The short version of the flights home is just the reverse of my trip Friday, except I did not leave Minot until 12:30 pm. At 6:30 pm Monday evening I was sitting in Firebirds in Collierville (home) with my family eating prime rib.
And the best part is I don't work again for 9 days. That means this week when my son is out of school for Thanksgiving, I get to spend the week with him and my wife.
And THAT makes it all worth it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
How do you rent a nurse practitioner?
At the encouragement of my mentors, peers, and even my wife, I am going to attempt to share my journeys across America. I will share the good, the bad, and if it happens the ugly. If you are considering working locums, hopefully you can learn from my experienc and won't have to buy all the experience I have already purchased.
So just how do you "rent" a nurse practitioner? Well the "proper" term for what I do is locum tenens staffing. Locum tenens is Latin for "place holder". I work in the place of a regular healthcare provider when that provider is absent, when a provider takes vacation time, when a practice is growing, or when a hospital/practice/clinic is short-staffed. To some this seems very glamorous, and at times it is. But don't think it is all glamour and glory,because it does come with it's own issues, problems, and down side.
Other nurse practitioners often ask me how they can get started working locums and quit their "regular" job. If you search google for "nurse practitioner locum tenens jobs" you will see a screen full of staffing companies that want you to work for them and fill their locums openings. Unfortunately my experience has shown that the healthcare recruiting industry has many similarities to the used car business. The recruiters are very adept at telling you what they think you want to hear. In addition to thoroughly researching the individual companies some examples of questions that you should ask in the very beginning of your negotiations with any recruiter might include:
1) Is this an employed position (taxes come out of your check and you may be entitled to benefits) or a 1099 position (you are an independent contractor and responsible for your own income taxes, health insurance, retirement, etc)?
2) Is transportation paid by the company, or are you required to pay for travel (airline tickets, rental cars, etc) and get reimbursed
3) What are the living accommodations (apt, sleep room in a facility, hotel/motel room, extended stay hotel, etc)
4) Are the accommodations individual or shared with others?
5) What is the work schedule and how do you get from the lodging site to the work place and back (shuttle, carpool, rental car)?
6) If you are provided a vehicle, can you use it on your days off?
7) What is the dress code (scrubs, lab coat, busines casual, shirt and tie, etc)?
8) Is there internet access?
9) Does your current cell phone provider have coverage in the area you will be going?
And the list goes on and on ..............
Each assignment requires preparation and research. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Remember you will be the one living in a strange place, leaving your family and friends for an extended period of time. The answers you get from the recruiter will also give you insight into the person you are dealing with.
So just how do you "rent" a nurse practitioner? Well the "proper" term for what I do is locum tenens staffing. Locum tenens is Latin for "place holder". I work in the place of a regular healthcare provider when that provider is absent, when a provider takes vacation time, when a practice is growing, or when a hospital/practice/clinic is short-staffed. To some this seems very glamorous, and at times it is. But don't think it is all glamour and glory,because it does come with it's own issues, problems, and down side.
Other nurse practitioners often ask me how they can get started working locums and quit their "regular" job. If you search google for "nurse practitioner locum tenens jobs" you will see a screen full of staffing companies that want you to work for them and fill their locums openings. Unfortunately my experience has shown that the healthcare recruiting industry has many similarities to the used car business. The recruiters are very adept at telling you what they think you want to hear. In addition to thoroughly researching the individual companies some examples of questions that you should ask in the very beginning of your negotiations with any recruiter might include:
1) Is this an employed position (taxes come out of your check and you may be entitled to benefits) or a 1099 position (you are an independent contractor and responsible for your own income taxes, health insurance, retirement, etc)?
2) Is transportation paid by the company, or are you required to pay for travel (airline tickets, rental cars, etc) and get reimbursed
3) What are the living accommodations (apt, sleep room in a facility, hotel/motel room, extended stay hotel, etc)
4) Are the accommodations individual or shared with others?
5) What is the work schedule and how do you get from the lodging site to the work place and back (shuttle, carpool, rental car)?
6) If you are provided a vehicle, can you use it on your days off?
7) What is the dress code (scrubs, lab coat, busines casual, shirt and tie, etc)?
8) Is there internet access?
9) Does your current cell phone provider have coverage in the area you will be going?
And the list goes on and on ..............
Each assignment requires preparation and research. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Remember you will be the one living in a strange place, leaving your family and friends for an extended period of time. The answers you get from the recruiter will also give you insight into the person you are dealing with.
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